After winning League One last season, the Pilgrims have adapted nicely to life in the second division. On Saturday, they earned a point in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Home Park with Middlesbrough.
Josh Coburn gave Boro the lead in the 23rd minute, but Argyle rallied and went ahead before halftime with goals from Finn Azaz and Bali Mumba.
After Michael Cooper saved Coburn’s penalty kick, Boro leveled the score in the 60th minute. Soon after, Sam Greenwood gave the visitors the lead, but in the 77th minute, Morgan Whittaker’s free kick swerved past Seny Dieng to give the Pilgrims a share of the victory.
Manager Steven Schumacher was delighted with his side’s performance, and he believes a draw was the right outcome.
“I thought it was a great game; I thought it was two good teams, two teams who like to attack,” Schumacher told the BBC.
“I thought there were moments of quality and real good passages of play from both sides.
“I felt we were really good in the first half; even though we fell behind, I thought we were playing well and probably deserved to go in ahead.
“Second half, they came out, and we couldn’t get the ball off them for 15 minutes, and they showed their quality and got themselves ahead, so it was a real tight game, end to end.
“But the character our players showed was outstanding, and I’m really pleased to get something from the game because, overall, I would say a draw’s probably a fair result.”
Argyle currently sits 19th in the Championship table, six points clear of the relegation zone, and they are back in action when they face third-placed Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.
What did Sam Parkin say?
Parkin revealed that he believes the Pilgrims will secure championship survival this season, pointing to their attacking threat and strong home form as reasons for optimism.
“I feel like we’re having this conversation most weeks about Plymouth, and my answer will be the same: they’re going to stay up; I’m 90% sure of that,” Parkin said on the What the EFL?! podcast.
“I think only Ipswich have scored more at home; Ipswich have scored 22 and Plymouth are up to 20 now, and they had no Hardie or Bundu at the weekend.
“Ben Waine played down the middle; I’m not going to have a go at him because I think he’s a talented player, but he had nine touches, so he was taken off.”
“He wasn’t involved, so it’s not a surprise that Hardie and Bundu will come back in,” Parkin continued.
“But Plymouth are a good side, and with the goalscorers in particular at the weekend, they’ve got so much talent going forward.
“Defensively, they’re not perfect, but the home record alone will, in my opinion, see them stay in the division.”
What next for Plymouth Argyle?
It is difficult to disagree with Parkin that Argyle will stay in the championship this season.
Despite their dismal performance, Home Park has proven to be a stronghold for the Pilgrims this season, as they have scored 13 of their 16 points there.
Only leaders Leicester City and second-placed Ipswich Town have scored more goals than Argyle thus far this season, with 26 goals scored. As Parkin notes, Argyle’s offensive threat gives them a great chance of surviving.
This weekend’s matchup with Leeds will be difficult, but the Pilgrims can definitely pose a threat to the Whites.
Despite their dismal away performance, Home Park has proven to be a stronghold for the Pilgrims this season, as they have scored 13 of their 16 points there.
Only leaders Leicester City and second-placed Ipswich Town have scored more goals than Argyle thus far this season, with 26 goals scored. As Parkin notes, Argyle’s offensive threat gives them a great chance of surviving.
This weekend’s matchup with Leeds will be difficult, but the Pilgrims can definitely pose a threat to the Whites.
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